PHOTO: Bildbyrån
Right now, the junior WC is taking place in Gothenburg.
Henrik Lundqvist himself has participated in the tournament in his younger days.
– There are many lessons that you take home with you, says “Henke” to Sportbladet.
The Junior WC 2023/2024 is currently taking place in Gothenburg. The championship runs until January 5. Sweden has brought a strong squad to the tournament on home soil, and is aiming for the first JVM gold since 2012.
Sweden’s introduction
Sweden started the championship with a fine 6–0 victory against Latvia. On Thursday, they face Germany, who surprisingly beat Finland in their opening match 4-3. During Thursday morning, the Junior crowns completed their last training session before the meeting with Germany. Then there was a certain one Henrik Lundqvist in place.
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The goalkeeping icon is an ambassador for the tournament, having himself played at the Junior World Cup as a 19- and 20-year-old in 2001 in Russia and 2002 in the Czech Republic.
– It was so long ago, but it’s fun as a junior player to compete against the best in the world in your age group. There are many lessons that you take home with you, how hard you have to work and how much you have to improve when you get to play against such good opposition. It’s a great challenge for this group. To then be able to do it at home is very special, says Henrik Lundqvist to Sportbladet.
Lundqvist’s judgment
For “Henke” and the boys of his time, there was never any gold. They lost in the bronze medal match and the quarter-final respectively during the junior championships. Both times against Canada. But Lundqvist believes that this year’s edition of the Junior crowns has a chance.
– It is clear that they have the chance, they are a fast-paced team with a lot of technique. Then there is the mental part that will play a very big role, with the focus when playing at home with the expectations. I hope they feel the joy of being able to play at home, he says to the evening newspaper.
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When Henrik Lundqvist played in the junior national team, he was an obvious number one. But now the position as first goalkeeper has been switched between Hugo Hävelid (who was in goal during the victory against Latvia) and Milker Thelin (which stands in the match against Germany). There is also a stable third option in the Kevin Reidler.
READ MORE: Sweden was praised for the nice gesture during the JVM premiere – the move that made the home crowd cheer loudly
The Swedish goalkeeper situation has become a hot topic during the championship, but Henke sees the competition as positive.
– When you have several guys who can play at a very high level, it creates a very emotional competition. It doesn’t feel like it can go wrong anywhere, they have two good choices or even three good choices, says the goalkeeping icon.
Who do you think should guard the coffers in the Junior crowns? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: The JVM reserve’s big success debut – the 18-year-old stepped forward directly in the premiere: “Great fun”
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